stioning, began to
tell us a little of the state of politics and what he thought would
happen; and every word that he said came true.

"His Grace of Monmouth will be our trouble," he said. "The King adores
him; and he hath so far prevailed with His Majesty as to get the Duke of
York sent twice to Scotland. I think few folk understand what feeling
there is in the country for the Protestant Duke. It was through my Lord
Shaftesbury, who is behind him, that His Royal Highness was actually
sent away, for Monmouth could do nothing without him; and I have no kind
of doubt that he has further schemes in his mind too."

(This was all fulfilled a couple of months later, as I remembered when
the time came, by my Lord Shaftesbury's actually presenting James' name
as that of a recusant, before the grand jury of Middlesex; but the
judges dismissed the jury immediately.)

"And you think, father," asked my Cousin Tom very solemnly, "that these
seditions will lead to trouble?"

"I have no doubt of it at all," said he. "The country--especially
London--is full of disaffection. Their demonstration last year did a
deal to stir it up. The Duke of York is back now, against my advice; but
I have no doubt he will have to go on his travels again. Were His
majesty to die now--_(quod Deus avertat!)_--I do not know how we should
stand."

* * * * *

Mr. Hamerton took occasion to ask me that night, when we were alone for
a minute or two, what I was doing in the country.

"I remember you perfectly now," said he. "Father Whitbread spoke to me
of you, besides."

I told him that I had nothing to do in town; and with His Majesty's
consent was lying hid for a little, in order that what little was known
of me might be forgotten again.

"Well; I suppose you are wise," he said, "and that you will be able to
do more hereafter. But the time will come presently when we shall all be
needed."

It was on the tip of my tongue to ask him if he could read cipher, and
to shew him my paper--reminded of it, by his talk of disaffection; but
my Cousin Tom came back at that moment; and I put it off; and I
presently forgot it again.

* * * * *

The memory of the mass that we heard next morning will never leave me;
for it was the first time that I had heard it in the house.

We used the long attic, for fear of disturbance, and had a man posted
beneath--for it was still death for a priest to say mas